Foam admixture can turn extinguishing water viscous – so that in an […]
Foam admixture can turn extinguishing water viscous – so that in an emergency it´s not available in the urgently needed quantity. VdS is now the worldwide first certification institute to take this important viscosity into account, serving responsible experts with the usual accurate specifications.
Cologne/Germany, March 04 2025. Foaming agents can greatly influence the flow physics of extinguishing water. For example, even the usual 3% additions can change the viscosity up to more than 10 times. The movement of such pseudoplastic liquids is hardly predictable. It can be similar to honey or even thicker and also changes depending on its position in the pipe network, even from a bend angle. One consequence: in an emergency the extinguishing agent is not available in the urgently needed quantity.
This is why VdS now takes into account the specific viscosity of premix solutions – ensuring they can be fully relied on at all times. “By integrating such crucial product properties we have taken an important safety step forward,” emphasizes Frank Bzdega, head of the VdS laboratories for water extinguishing technology. “And we are happy to support manufacturers with our findings on the critical values. In the event of a fire, by the way occuring every 5 minutes in a company in Germany, the required agent application is ensured: The extinguishing water will arrive where it is needed.
”The new Guidelines VdS 3124, “Foam concentrates – Requirements and test methods”, support manufacturers, planners, installers, insurers and authorities with clear guidance. Available for free download at shop.vds.de/en. On request, manufacturers can also determine the specific values in the VdS laboratories.
Caption Viscosity: A decisive safety step for reliable foam extinguishing technology: VdS now offers precise assistance for the flowability of foam compound solutions relevant for extinguishing. “Sthamer GmbH” – picture source
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